Organic Honey
Honey is a sugar-rich syrup that is thought to be a beneficial sweetener because it contains natural sugar, rather than artificial sweeteners such as high-fructose corn syrup. Processed honey and most supermarket cheap honey is low in micro-nutrients. Cheap honey often has added sugars and even high fructose corn syrup (HFCS55) added. The best honey comes from bees that feed on natural flower nectar, some honey producers feed the bees sugar water which gives you less quality honey. You should source your honey from:
- A local beekeeper that doesn't use sugar water feed.
- A health store (organic brands)
- A supermarket (they often have extensive high quality honey choices such as Manuka).
Honey is mainly fructose (38%) and glucose (32%) with remaining sugars including maltose and other complex carbohydrates. fructose is not insulin triggering, so honey is quite a good sweetner.
- Honey contains antioxidants which help reduce the risk of some cancers and heart disease.
- Honey reduces ulcers and other gastrointestinal disorders.
- Honey has an anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-fungal effect.
- Honey reduces a cough and throat irritation.
A great way to take honey is to add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to a tablespoon of organic honey, stir these into a tiny glass of warm water.
Manuka honey
Manuka honey, produced in New Zealand by bees that pollinate the Manuka bush, is one of the most unique and beneficial forms of honey in the world. is one of nature’s richest antimicrobial sources. Manuka honey is expensive, but the benefits could be worth it. Benefits include helping with low stomach acid and acid reflux, treating acne and eczema,combatting MRSA, treating burns & wounds, aiding IBS and helping with allergies. Manuka honey has been marketed to death, so the cost/benefit might be lower.
Honey and testosterone
Honey in the diet may have a subtle impact on testosterone levels due to the fact that it contains boron (Raisins contain high levels too). Boron is a mineral that is associated with increasing free testosterone via the decrease on sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG). According to a 2011 human study, free testosterone increased and estrogen decreased significantly. Vitamin D was also elevated.
Honey also happens to contain nitric oxide, which is acted upon by testosterone or a metabolite to create an erection. In addition to Boron, honey is a relatively rich source of a chemical called chrysin. Chrysin acts in the same way as Boron, blocking the conversion of testosterone into estrogen